ACLU Membership Conference 2018: Frequently Asked Questions

When will the conference take place? Where is it located?

Conference registration opens Sunday, June 10th at 2:00pm with activities kicking off in the late afternoon followed by an opening dinner program. The conference concludes at 2:00pm on Tuesday June 12. This year’s conference will be held jointly at the Washington Convention Center, located at 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW and the host hotel, the Marriott Marquis Washington D.C., located directly next door at 901 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington D.C., 20001

Ramadan accommodations for our Muslim guests attending this event

The ACLU is aware that joining us in D.C. during the period of Ramadan may present a hardship for our observant guests. In order to make the conference as accommodating as possible, we have established the following support and activities so this event can be enjoyed with the best possible experience we can provide.

A quiet room will be available at the event for those observing prayer times.

To accommodate Suhur and Iftar:

Young leaders who will be staying at Howard University or The American Youth Hostel through our Youth Program will have predawn meal accommodations extended to those observing between the hours of 3-4:00am

Predawn meal accommodations will also be available to our guests staying at the conference hotel, the Marriott Marquis, between the hours of 3-4:00am.

Dinner will be served immediately following the conclusion of the program on Sunday and Monday nights for those observing Ramadan as well as their guests. The location will be listed in the program and is open to non-Muslim attendees who may be guests or in solidarity, but pre- reservations are required so we have an accurate head count for banquet services.

To reserve a spot at these meals, please indicate during registration by writing “Observing Ramadan, or some similar note, in the dietary preference sections. If you have already registered or want to make sure your registration record is marked this way, email us at conference@aclu.org or call us toll-free at 1-866-815-1440. We’d be happy to set a seat for you. You Belong Here.

How can I register? What are the registration rates?

Online registration closes on June 7, 2018 but you can still join us in D.C. Tickets will be made available at the door until we run out of space. The ACLU Membership Conference strives to make price points for every economic level with prices starting at $125 for full access. Please note that a discount code may only be applied to the $450 price category. Full registration rates can be found on the ACLU Membership Conference Website in the About Pricing section. For your convenience, it is listed below:

Registration Fees (all options are Full Access):

Includes access to all sessions, Action Center, gala dinners, and entertainment

$125 - Our Lowest Ticket Price

23% of what it costs the ACLU to put on the conference for one supporter. This costs the ACLU money, but we think it's so critical for as many people to attend as possible. This level is perfect for students, people traveling long distances, or anyone currently unable to afford the full cost of a ticket.

$450 - Give A Little Extra

82% of what it costs the ACLU for one supporter to attend. By paying 82% of your ticket, you'll be helping us keep costs down so that even more ACLU supporters can join us here in D.C.

$550 - Full Price Ticket

100% of what it costs the ACLU to put on the conference for one supporter. By paying the full cost of your ticket, you'll be helping support other activists — and the movement.

$1100 - Supporter

This pays for your full ticket and helps ease the burden of a ticket for someone else. You'll be making sure more people have access to the essential programs and training we're offering throughout all three days.

How can I reserve a hotel room, and what are the rates?

The ACLU Membership Conference has secured a limited number of hotel rooms for conference attendees to be reserved at the Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C. with a special discounted hotel rate of $279 per night plus tax. Please note, the cutoff date for the discounted rate is Saturday, May 25, 2018, or until block is sold out.

Do I need to be an ACLU member to attend the conference?

Anyone may attend the ACLU Membership Conference. Please note, that your registration will result in ACLU membership.

When do I get my membership card?

Membership Cards will be mailed after the conference.

Am I eligible for the member rate?

The registration fees listed on the ACLU Membership Conference Website are the fees for all to attend. If you are not an ACLU member, your registration will result in ACLU membership.

I only want to attend one day of the conference, is that possible?

If you plan on attending for only one day, please purchase a Full Access pass at the $125 rate.

I am attending the conference with my spouse/relative/friend. Do I need to register them as well?

Yes. You must select a ticket option for your guest as well. If no ticket option is selected, their registration status will be subject to cancellation. Alternatively, all attendees should feel encouraged to register themselves.

I do not reside in the US, may I still attend the conference?

Yes, this is a public event. Anyone may attend the ACLU Membership Conference. Please note, that your registration will result in ACLU membership.

I reside in one state, but attend college in another. In which state, should I contact the ACLU Affiliate office to inquire about youth subsidies.

We encourage youth to contact the Affiliate Office that reflects the state of their permanent address.

Are workshops included in conference registration? How do I add a workshop to my registration?

Workshops are included in your conference registration. Workshops are open to all and are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no option to pre-select desired workshops. Please note, all programming is subject to change without prior notice.

When will the Action Center be open?

The Action Center will open on Sunday, June 10, 2018 at 2:00 pm along with Conference registration. For more information on the Action Center, check the ACLU Membership Conference website for more updates. If you are interested in planning a Hill visit to speak with elected officials from your home state, please contact your State’s ACLU Affiliateoffice for more information. Please note, all programming is subject to change without prior notice.

ACLU Store: Where is the ACLU store?

The ACLU store will be located in Hall A of the Convention Center in the Action Center. Hours for the ACLU store will be published at a later date and are subject to change without notice.

I have specific needs (dietary, mobility, etc.). How can I inform you of them?

The conference host hotel, The Marriott Marquis, and the DC Convention Center are wheelchair accessible. Assistive listening devices and materials in large print will be available. Please note all specific needs on the registration form or please contact conference services at conference@aclu.org or call us toll free: 1-866-815-1440 to request real time captioning, a sign language interpreter or other accommodations. Providing at least 72 hours advance notice will help to ensure availability. The ACLU will make every effort to meet your specific accommodation needs.

How can I obtain an invoice/receipt for a registration or group of registrations?

A confirmation email is sent via email at the time of registration. You can re-print the system generated receipt and Modify Your Registration at any time until June 1st, 2018. You will need to enter your email address and reference number. The reference number can be found in your registration record. For further assistance, contact us at (866) 815-1440 or via email at conference@aclu.org.

Can I substitute/transfer someone else to attend the Conference?

Please note that you may return to our registration site at any time until June 1st, 2018 to make changes to your registration. Simply click here and enter your email address and reference number. The reference number can be found in your registration record. For more information, contact us at (866) 815-1440 or via email at conference@aclu.org.

What is the cancellation policy for the conference?

You may cancel your registration at any time online by modifying your registration. Any refund requests must be made in writing to conference@aclu.org. Refunds less a ($50.00) cancellation fee will be provided for cancellations received in writing prior to April 27th, 2018. Refunds less a ($100.00) cancellation fee will be provided for cancellations received between April 28th and June 1st, 2018. Following this date, no refunds will be given. Donations will not be refunded. Please allow 14-30 days for the credit to reflect in your account.